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October 29, 2007
StreetLevel: Mediterranean replaces Mediterranean on 5th
The tiny, high-turnover space on 5th Avenue next to Chip Shop (formerly host to the late, lamented Curry Shop) has reopened once again, this time as Mediterra Restaurant. Just this spring a Turkish restaurant called Alaturka started operating out of the spot; Mediterra, it seems, will be serving a broader array of Mediterranean cuisine (eg, Greek salad, $6, joins falafel wraps, $7, on the menu). Anyone sampled the goods yet? GMAP
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Comments
haven't tried it, but they need to lose the faux neon "OPEN" sign (not visible in the picture).
Posted by: guest at October 29, 2007 2:50 PM
I guess I should try it. However, it would help if they offered brunch on weekends. Otherwise, I don't feel confident they will survive.
Posted by: guest at October 29, 2007 2:51 PM
The menu fails to inspire, but surely they cannot fail more quickly than A La Turka.
Posted by: guest at October 29, 2007 2:53 PM
Alaturka was good but prices were too high. $15 - $20 for lamb kabobs, etc. I think that's why it failed.
This seems to be priced right with the right kind of menu.
Posted by: guest at October 29, 2007 3:39 PM
Anyone been to the other Turkish place on Fifth, Zilli? It always seems kinda empty every time I walked past it.
Posted by: guest at October 29, 2007 3:58 PM
We loved Alaturka's food, and the owner was the sweetest young guy. But he made some very obvious mistakes like he never got a liquor license, and the decor was like a brightly lit cafeteria, not comfy and intimate. Therefore they never ever got the dinner crowds. In an area without office buildings no restaurants can survive on only a lunch clientele. Also that corner with all its glass feels like a fishbowl on a pedestal when you're inside it. Bad feng shui; it needs fixing.
We haven't checked out Mediterra yet, but intend to do so soon. We're just glad to have Turkish cuisine nearby that's better than Zilla/Zilli whatever it's called. They don't do kebobs at Zilli and talk about stumbles newbie restauranteurs can make - remember when Zilli was called "Comfort Zone" (worst name ever in history) and they charged for every refill of coffee? Clueless!
Posted by: guest at October 29, 2007 8:31 PM
I'm amazed that "Zilli" joint is still open--always seems half empty at the best. Plus, on a side note, has anyone EVER seen a person in the new Peruvian place "Pollo?" I noted that they're prices are universally higher than Coco Roco. Not a smart move...
Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 9:42 AM
Pollo is always a ghost town. Tastes like chicken; smells like failure.
Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 2:32 PM
Chipshop knew best how to use that spot. Outdoor seating and open fun atmosphere. Too bad they picked the wrong side to close down.
Posted by: Mamacita at October 30, 2007 2:50 PM
I'm with ya Mamacita. Odd choice to make, if they were indeed presented with a choice.
Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 3:01 PM
I'm going to hazard a guess that chipshop's choice was based on one thing: the kitchen for the spot they're currently in is bigger than the corner place--plus, it has the access on 6th Street to allow for takeout (or 'takeaway' as the brits like to call it).
Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 6:45 PM
Curry Shop lamented? Hardly. That stuff was vile.
Posted by: guest at October 31, 2007 7:10 PM
Had dinner on Saturday night and it was awful. I ordered the grilled shrimp over orzo and my date ordered the lamp chops. We were probably there about 45 minutes before our food came. My date's lamb had tin foil wrapped on the edges (tacky!), my shrimp was undercooked his lamb was tough. Tasteless food. I think I used the entire salt shaker on my dish and it was still pretty bland. Date said his was tasteless as well.
Posted by: guest at November 5, 2007 1:39 PM
My husband and I went to Mediterra for dinner Thursday night. We started with the chef's meze sampler. The eggplant and hummus dip were amazing. Also you have to try the lentil soup. I had the Mousaka which was really soft and perfect. Take it from a Greek. :) My husband had the lamb adana which he loved. We will definitely be going there again. Look forward to trying their lunch. YUM!
Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 11:16 AM
The food was really tasty. Their baklava is out of this world. A must try.
Posted by: guest at November 19, 2007 9:33 AM
Tried it on Saturday night....Mediterra's food is excellent. Make sure to order a homemade dessert.
Posted by: guest at November 20, 2007 12:02 PM
Took a chance and went there last night - it was AWESOME. 2 other parties came in after us and the same comments were coming from all 3 tables - "that was great, that was amazing, mmmmm" etc. Highly recommend the red lentil soup and the meatball/veg soup, the hummos is great, falafel app is great. Eggplant with tomato appetizer was, in my opinion, NOT very good. Baby lamb chops & rice pilaf - SOOOOO TASTY and tender. I'm picky about my lamb and this was quality. Everything was very fresh (especially the greek salad), and tasted like homemade. I hope they can hang in there.
Posted by: guest at November 21, 2007 2:32 PM
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